Being Near to God

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Nearness That Reshapes Us

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?

Maybe it was a quiet cathedral, stained glass filling the room with colors, or a forest alive with bird songs and dancing leaves. Wherever your place is, have you ever wished you could stay there forever—surrounded by so much beauty and safety that your soul can finally breathe?

David prays that way in Psalm 27:4:

“I have asked the Lord for one thing,
this is what I desire:
to live in the Lord’s house all my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord,
and to contemplate in his temple.” (NET)

For ancient Israel, Jerusalem’s temple marked the center of their world—the place where Heaven and Earth meet. That idea first appears in Genesis, in the garden of Eden, where God walked with humanity and provided everything necessary—a place with no suffering, no threats, no death.

David’s longing isn’t for a spectacular building but for closeness with God—the kind of nearness that reshapes a person and brings true peace.

When Jesus arrives, he moves that Heaven-and-Earth space from Jerusalem’s temple into human hearts. People become the temple where God dwells. Divine beauty and peace are no longer tied to one city or structure; they’re found wherever God’s will is done “on Earth as in Heaven.”

Today, ask: What do I want most? David’s answer exposes humanity’s deepest desire—to be safe, loved, and at peace with our creator.

My Thoughts

Who doesn’t like to feel safe and at peace? When I became a Christian over five decades ago, for the first time, I felt loved and welcomed, at peace with the person God created me to me. I have had ups and downs in my walk with the Lord, yet I continue to return to that same place of peace. It isn’t a building, a monument or a beautiful part of nature. It’s the quiet place I find within myself when I focus on my relationship with God and how close I know that He is to me. He is right there, in my whispered prayers and in the prayers that I don’t say but that are in my heart. God hears and moves closer to me, just when I need Him. This is my piece of heaven on earth.

The Sabbath Rest

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

God’s Rhythm to Bless Us (YouVersion,Daily Refresh, 1-03)

Humans have a complicated relationship with rules. Even as small children, we struggle to understand the “why” behind them. 

Consider how parents teach children to brush their teeth, reminding them morning and night. That child might only appreciate the chore years later, as they grow into adults and experience expensive and uncomfortable dental work. It’s then that a dull tooth-brushing routine feels valuable. What a shift in perspective! 

We weren’t made to serve a strict toothbrushing schedule, but toothbrushing was made to serve us to help maintain healthy teeth. 

Jesus brings similar wisdom and perspective to the expectation of taking a regular day of rest (Sabbath). The Jews knew that God was insistent on Sabbath observance, but they almost thought of it as if it were a chore. Jesus reminds them that people weren’t made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was created for people by God to provide much-needed rest. 

Sabbath rest is God’s rhythm to bless us, not God’s requirement to burden us.

How can we know this is true? Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He’s the maker (and fulfiller) of all God’s good rules, and He knows that regular rest is one of the rhythms that leads to an abundant life.

My Thoughts

God set the standard and example for a Sabbath rest when He rested on the seventh day after creation. Many of us push ourselves to work, work, work, seven days a week. If we are not going to a job, we are still doing things that occupy our time and our minds. For me, after we attend church, I do rest. I sit in my recliner, watch a show that I have been meaning to take time to see, read a book and nap. The regular chores of book reviews and reading a certain number of pages per day is put aside as I rest. My husband, who is in charge of the cooking here at home, always makes enough on Saturday for leftovers on Sunday. Or, if that isn’t possible because of the planned meal, he buys takeout and has it ready for us to eat after church, along with a soup to warm up. Whatever it is, it is simple, easy to get ready, and allows him to spend the afternoon with the TV on football as he naps. We honor God by attending church and then we rest, just as God meant for us to do. The rest we have on Sunday prepares us for the busy week of appointments and meetings. This week, I start physical therapy and our Bible Study group begins again for the New Year. The busyness doesn’t seem so overwhelming if we take time to rest first. I encourage all who read this to take time to rest on the Sabbath. God wants us to establish a time for our bodies to refresh themselves, with Him as the center of our lives and of our resting time.

Cain and Seth

On By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

Having started a new Bible plan that is taking me through the Bible in a year once again, I am in the book of Genesis. And even after years of reading the Bible through annually, I am still discovering new things. Yesterday, I read the story of creation and at the end of each of the six days, God said the creation was good (or very good when He created man) and then the Bible tells us “So the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis 1:5) This phrase is used for each of the days of creation. (Genesis 1: 8, 13, 19, 23, 31). But on the seventh day, God rested and the Bible does not close out that day with the same phrase. One of my devotionals pointed out that the reason may be that God’s rest is forever for those of us who dwell in His presence. Interesting and something new for me to ponder.

In today’s lessons, I read about Cain killing Abel and also about Adam and Eve having another son named Seth to replace their murdered son Abel. I am sure you are familiar with these stories. But did you notice (I didn’t until today) that Cain left God’s presence and went to live elsewhere. He voluntarily went away instead of asking for forgiveness or trying to get closer to God by repenting.

Cain’s bad choices had repercussions for his ancestors, too. One of his ancestors was Lamech and this is what happened to him.

Lamech also killed someone. Sin doesn’t run in families; it is not an inherited trait. But I do believe that when we leave God on the back burner and turn away from Him, not only do we suffer consequences, but so do ancestors. Unwise choices are made when God is not right there before us, loving and guiding us.

On the other hand is the family of Adam, Seth and his ancestors.

I noted in this verse that Adam knows that God is the author of life and gives God credit for giving him a new son named Seth. The relationship between Adam and God was not changed by the murder of Abel. He didn’t seem to grow bitter and turn away. Rather, he turned towards God and knew that God had given him another son.

As for Seth’s ancestors, check out this verse. They began to call on the name of the Lord. This is, of course, a long way from the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve walked and talked with God daily. But it is definitely progress in the right direction, towards God instead of away from Him.

Each of us has this same choice. We can live our lives as if we are all that matters (thus teaching our children this falsehood, also) or we can make God a priority and set that relationship as an example for our children to follow. Their choices are their own, but we set the example and the repercussions can be far-reaching.

May each of us be aware of our choices and the effect that they have on those who come behind us.

Happy New Year and My Word for 2026

On By vickleaIn Scripture11 Comments

Every year for many years now, I have chosen a word to focus on, a word that helps me to center in on God throughout the year. Last year’s word was “listen.” I confess that I am still working on the skill of being an active listener and to tuned in to God. That just tells me that God is still working on me and I am not close to perfect yet.

This year’s word is similar in that it is a verb. Having a tendency to judge by appearances and oftentimes hastily, I have prayed and I think that God wants me to “see” this year. He wants me to see things as He sees them, to look for Him in the little things, to find Him wherever I go and in whatever circumstance I find myself. I frequently look at a situation, judge it as hopeless and then cry out to God to get out of it. This new year, I want to see the situation as God sees it, an opportunity for me to grow and to press into Him. I want to cry out to God to see things as He sees them before I pass judgment on them as bad or awful or unworthy of my time. I want to see people as God sees them, as created by Him, no matter how annoying they may be to me.

These are my verses that I have chosen to accompany my word of the year.

Do you choose a word for the year, or do you have a resolution that you would like to share? No judgment whether you have one or the other or none at all. I just want to see you on my blog post, commenting so that I can get to know you better. After all, I am hoping to spend eternity with you!

From Denison’s Forum, 12-31-25

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

“Courage is a choice”

I say all of that to say this: The omniscient God who created and transcends time is our best source for facing our fears of the future.

He sees tomorrow better than we can see today. Our Father can therefore prepare us now for what comes next while shaping our unseen circumstances for his greatest glory and our greatest good. All the while, he transfuses us with “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” when we trust our fears to him (Philippians 4:7).

The Christ who came at Christmas promised he would be with us “always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His indwelling Spirit will never leave us (1 Corinthians 3:16). His all-conquering love will never abandon us (Romans 8:35–39). He will wade with us through every river and walk with us through every fire (Isaiah 43:2–3). He will open and close doors in accordance with his perfect will (cf. Acts 16:6–10) and lead us through each day until the day he leads us home (John 14:3).

Homer was therefore right: “All men have need of the gods.”

So name your greatest fear for the coming year and place it in his hands. Then claim his promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

David testified, “I sought the Lᴏʀᴅ, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). When we do the former, we can say the latter.

According to Winston Churchill,

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a choice.”

What steps will you take to choose courage in Christ today?

My Thoughts

I really, really needed this call to choose courage today! The last year held a lot of fun and many health challenges. As I face the New Year, I am currently facing possible surgery on a rotator cuff, and right now I am in constant pain, sleeping in spurts as my shoulder and arm allow. But, God! God is taking care of my fears and reaching out to me with all of the love He has for me. I seek Him and He answers me. There have been a lot of middle of the night conversations lately and more than a few tears of pain and frustration. I don’t know what my future holds, but God does, and I am thankful that He will be right there beside me no matter what happens. He is the God who heals me, with surgery or without. He is my Maker, my Healer and my Deliverer.

Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve! May the God of all hope walk closely beside you.

For the original article from Dr. Denison, please click here: Denison’s Forum, 12-31-25

Tuesday’s New Releases with Five Stars

On By vickleaIn Book Promo2 Comments

I highly recommend each of these books and give them each five stars. You can read my complete reviews on Goodreads or Book Bub, but here are a books a snippet of each review.

I really loved that the main characters got a second chance at love and also that they were older and still actively engaged in life and helping others. The bloodhound Arthur is a favorite canine now, since he is older, heroic and an intrepid investigator on his own.

Rated PG for intense suspense but G for content

The story captivated me from beginning to end and is a must read for fans of well-crafted romantic suspense.

Rated PG because of intense suspense and G for content

The story of Brenna, her emotional support dog named Lulu and her second-chance-at-love hero, Owen McCaw, is one that is heartwarming, filled with secrets and a need to be honest, and a story packed with action and some unexpected twists.

Rated G for all readers

This book offers a sweet romance, a lot of family love and drama and plenty of mystery, too as the Lemmon brothers are involved in a lawsuit that may end up with their losing the ranch that they love dearly.

Rated G for all readers

So, where can you purchase your copy of any or all of these new books? Just follow the links below directly to Harlequin. There you will also find the links to other retailers.

Purchase Links

The Cowboy’s Claim

An Unexpected Texas Reunion

A Killer in Texas

Scent of Sabotage

My Book Bub Profile (to check out all of my reviews)

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1339019570

My Goodreads Profile (to check out reviews and follow me)

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20457633-vickie

All In, With All You Have

On By vickleaIn ScriptureLeave a comment

Fully Committed (Daily Refresh, 12-29-25)

“And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time.”
1 Kings 8:61

These words are part of King Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the completion of the temple in Jerusalem. It was a moment of celebration and fulfillment, a physical reminder that God was dwelling among His people. But Solomon didn’t want a beautiful building. He wanted a faithful people.

Not halfway committed. Not when commitment is convenient. Not when you feel like committing.

Fully committed.

It’s easy to drift into partial commitment: reading your Bible when life slows down and you can find the time, praying only when things go wrong, showing up to church when your family has a free weekend. But Solomon’s prayer still calls to us today, and it’s clear: be all-in with your faith.

So what could full commitment look like in your everyday life? Here are four things you and your family can do to build a life that’s fully committed to the Lord:

– Read your Bible daily. Not out of guilt, but out of hunger. Let God’s Word shape your thoughts and decisions.
– Pray continually. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, keep an ongoing conversation with God through every moment, big and small.
– Be rooted in your church. Attend regularly. Serve consistently. Don’t just go … belong!
– Live in obedience. When God speaks, follow. His commands aren’t burdens; they’re the path to real freedom.

Full commitment isn’t perfection, it’s direction. It means you’ve set your heart fully toward God and you’re pursuing Him with all you have.

My Thoughts

When I read this devotional today, my first and very self-righteous thought was that I am already fully committed. But then, I read it again more carefully and see some areas that I need to work on.

First, I do read God’s Word daily, but sometimes I think it is because it is a habit, a something I need to do before I do other things. I need to work on my attitude so that it is more of a hungering for His Word and not the first thing on my to-do list.

Second, I am rooted in our church but I don’t always feel as though I belong. We had a fundraising campaign last year called “all in” and I did not participate. The main reason is that they do a new campaign every year at our church, just giving it a different name, so that they can expand, build, etc. I’m not opposed to that, but it was getting tiresome to me and more of a competition to give rather than giving from the heart. I need to check that out in me and ask God what He wants me to do when their new campaign starts at the beginning of the new year. I think I am still holding on to a little resentment that I cannot fully participate in the services because of how loud the music is. I am wearing noise cancelling headphones every week now.

I am working on listening to and following God. That is now always easy for me because I am a natural organizer. If God let me loose, I would probably try to organize things in His kingdom in a way that would be easier for me to understand, but He reins me in and reminds me that I am a follower, not the chief leading the parade.

So this is honestly me. I am all in, with all that I have and anticipating God’s working in my life in new ways for the new year. How about you? Are you fully committed?

Joy and Hope

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I apologize for being absent for a couple of days. I needed the break time since my family was here. Both my son and daughter, their spouses and our grandchildren came over on Christmas Day. We had a full house and full hearts. I may skip a few days now and then as I wait for inspiration, but I will return and hope that you will continue to look for my posts.

This is a quotation I found from Charles Spurgeon when I was looking for another quotation. Isn’t this the truth? We hope that when we have a new government, things will get better, less chaotic. In some ways that is true. But the President and his men are not the source of our hope. Only Jesus offers hope that is there for us anytime we reach out to Him.

2025 has been a challenging year for me, with a broken foot and now a possibly messed up rotator cuff. The pain is teaching me a lesson about being patient and taking things easy instead of pushing myself. Not being able to reach up to get things is a real pain for me because I don’t like to ask for help. But I am learning that it’s okay to admit that I am not as self-sufficient as I would like to be. The foot is healing well, but it leaves behind a reminder of the almost three months I had to wear a clunky ortho boot. The reminder is also painful; my hamstring is pulled and causes frequent pain. Starting when I was wearing the boot, I assumed the pain would dissipate once I stopped wearing it, but it’s still there, a constant reminder that I suffered an injury that is still healing. Whatever the last year brought you, I hope that you were able to continue to experience joy in the presence of the Lord. He is my joy, in spite of the pain. As I age, I find myself spending more time on reflecting on the gifts that God has given us, and one of them is joy. Just like hope, we have to spend time in God’s presence in order to feel the joy that bubbles inside us, ready to spring out.

God is present with us! Are we present with Him? Check your hope and joy; they are like barometers for your time with Him.

You Can’t Earn Your Way to God

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Jesus is Lord (Daily Refresh, 12-27)

No matter how good you are, how hard you try, or how decent of a person you attempt to be, when it comes to following Christ, you can’t earn your way to God. You can’t do enough good things to tip the scales in your favor. You can’t buy, win, impress, or manipulate your way into salvation. 

But Jesus has already purchased your freedom on a cross and offered it to you as a gift. 

But you do have one job, as Paul describes in his letter to the Romans…

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV

Many people believe that Jesus was a real, historical person. Many people believe that Jesus was a genuinely good man. But the Bible says that even the demons believe there’s only one God—and shudder (James 2:19).

Minutes before their deaths, two criminals hung next to Jesus on the cross. One of the criminals mocked Him, but the other one trusted in Him. Jesus told the one who trusted Him that he would soon be in Heaven. He received grace.

You see, we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s holy standard. We all need His grace, but we haven’t all received His grace.

So are you trying to be good enough for God? The bad news is, you can’t. You can’t ever be good enough on your own. But the great news is, Jesus has already made a way. However, you can’t simply know that He was a real person or think that some of His teachings were nice.

But the most important question remains: Will you make Him the Lord of your life?

My Thoughts

There are multiple people in my family who have the philosophy that I also grew up with, that if I am “good” then one day I will go to heaven. I didn’t find out until I finished college and a neighbor presented the gospel to me that I found out that you can never be good enough to go to heaven because being “good” is not how to get there. There is one way to heaven, and that is by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Some people are so accustomed to having enough money to buy anything that they want, they may have convinced themselves that they can buy their way into heaven. A definite false belief since God has no need for money. After all, He who created and owns everything doesn’t need our wealth if we have it. Others think that they are such savvy negotiators that they can talk their way into heaven, perhaps at the last minute. That seems to give them permission to live however they want and then talk to the Gatekeeper and enter into heaven. Again, not the way God established His world and the “ticket” into salvation. Once we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, then we want to do good works because we want to be more like Christ. We aren’t so worried about gathering riches on earth because we know that they don’t last. And we are more careful about what we say because we know that we represent our Savior and will one day account for all of our words. So, the bottom line is that salvation is your choice now, today, not the minute when you die and stand before God. You need to make that choice before you face your Creator. Being good isn’t what God seeks; He wants sold out, absolute surrender to Him. Sounds scary, but it’s really not because at the bottom of what God wants from you is His firm foundation of love. He wants what is best for each of us, and He knows it is to choose to be with Him forever.

Tis the Season

On By vickleaIn Christmas, Holidays2 Comments

Bells are ringing,

Phone is sounding,

Carols playing.

Tis the season

To shop and give,

But let’s not forget

The reason.

The Christmas story

Told in God’s Word

Is not a myth,

But a true miracle, the gift that we all need,

But the one that many avoid.

Not wanting to be convinced,

They shy away from the truth.

They prefer the noise of the bells ringing,

Children demanding, Phone sounding,

And carols playing.

I prefer the silence in which God speaks to my heart,

And reminds me of the reason for this season.

Have a very blessed Christmas, from my house to yours!